Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research

About ROAR

Open for Participation

Program Overview

The Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) program, created by FFAR, provides nimble deployment of funds to support research and outreach in response to emerging or unanticipated threats to the nation’s food supply or agricultural systems. ROAR participants, including but not limited to university researchers, farmers or producers, commodity groups and government officials, may apply for funds prior to an outbreak for development of diagnostics, monitoring and mitigation strategies, or enter into an agreement with FFAR that enables the quick release of funds should an outbreak occur. In this way, the ROAR program supports pre-outbreak efforts, and in the case of an outbreak, fills the gap until traditional, longer-term funding sources can be secured.

Up to $150,000 per one-year grant is available from FFAR, with the requirement that recipients provide equal or greater matching funds from non-U.S. federal sources.

Questions?

Two Ways to Participate

1. Responding to a Pest or Pathogen Outbreak

In the event of a pest or pathogen outbreak, submit a one-page concept note to FFAR outlining (1) the consortium members, including researchers, industry representatives and government officials, (2) the source and amount (up to $150,000) of matching funds for the project and (3) a brief description of the pest or pathogen threat and why it should be considered for rapid funding. FFAR will use the concept note to decide whether or not to invite submission of a full application. This process is designed so that, if a qualifying emergency event occurs, the consortia may rapidly double their response budget (up to $150,000).

Best approach for:

Consortia who are in need of swift deployment of funding in response toa pest or pathogen outbreak.

Timeline:

Ongoing Opportunity

2. Preparing for a Pest or Pathogen Outbreak

This funding opportunity will be open biannually for those groups wishing to apply to prepare for a pest or pathogen outbreak that is not already ongoing. Please sign up for our newsletter to receive funding opportunity announcements (FOA) and key dates.

Best approach for:
Consortia who see a gap in preparedness for a likely or anticipated future pest or pathogen emergency.

Timeline

Cycle 1 Posted Date: February 17

Cycle 1 Proposal Deadline: CLOSED (May 1)

Apply to Join ROAR

How to Apply

Log on to Proposal Central. Under “Grant Opportunities,” select “Filter by Grant Maker,” select “Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research” and click “Apply Now” next to “ROAR.”

Frequently Asked Questions

No, ROAR funds cannot be used for weather, natural disaster or food-safety response efforts. ROAR is intended to support research and coordination in order to mitigate pre-farmgate pest or pathogen outbreaks.

Can ROAR funds be used prior to an outbreak?

Yes. Funding up to $150,000 may be made available to support development of diagnostic tools, outreach, research and other efforts to mitigate, contain or prevent a pest or pathogen outbreak. The funding amount will be determined by several criteria including the pathogenicity,geographic range,number of animals/plants impacted, economic impact and likelihood of an outbreak to occur. Funding is contingent upon the consortium providing 1:1 matching funds.

Can ROAR funds be applied for at the time of an outbreak?

Yes. Consortia are encouraged to submit a one-page concept note outlining (1) the consortium members including researchers, industry representatives and government officials, (2) the source and amount (up to $150,000) of matching funds for the project and (3) a brief description of the pest or pathogen threat and why it should be considered for rapid funding. The consortium must designate a lead organization to enter into the potential grant agreement with FFAR. Based upon the concept note, FFAR may invite the consortium to submit an application for the ROAR program. Once the application is submitted, FFAR will review the application within one week of submission. If awarded, FFAR will disburse funds within 2 days of rendering of decision. Applications up to $150,000 will be considered.

Who can provide matching funds?

FFAR accepts state, university, industry and private sources of 1:1 matching funds. Money originating from the U.S. Federal Government cannot be used as a source of matching funds by FFAR, however can still be used to supplement the budget for a ROAR project.

Can Federally-funded groups participate in ROAR?

Yes, Federally-funded groups can participate as part of the ROAR consortia and can contribute financially to FFAR’s research programs; however these funds cannot be used as a match for the release of FFAR funds. Non-Federal dollars must be included as a source of matching funds.

May members of a consortium participate in more than one consortium?

Yes.

Can a consortium apply for funds in response to more than one emerging pest or pathogen?

No, a consortium may only apply for funding to address one pest/pathogen issue per year.

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WHO WE ARE

The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research brings together leading experts to identify and investigate the researchable questions whose answers have the potential to enhance the economic and environmental resilience of our food supply.
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